The Smith and Wesson Model 36 (often called simply ".38 snubnose") was introduced in 1950 as the "Chief's Special" (sometimes called the "Police Chiefs Special"). When Smith & Wesson adopted a model number only system seven years later, the revolvers' name was changed to Model 36. It is famous as being the first J-frame revolver in the S&W series (the earlier models were called "I-frames"). It is commonly used as a "belly gun", being stuffed in the pants waist, or as an officer's "Spare Rod", strapped to the ankle in a holster. It holds five rounds of .38 Special.

The Smith & Wesson Model 38/49 "Bodyguard" is a Model 36 that has a "Camel Hump" hammer shroud used to prevent clothing snag, as the hammer is concealed in the shroud. The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard was unusual in that the alloy framed "Airweight" version was released first, as the Smith & Wesson Airweight Bodyguard, in 1955. In 1957 Smith & Wesson introduced a new model numbering system, with the Airweight Bodyguard becoming the Model 38. The steel-framed Bodyguard, the Model 49, was not introduced until 1959, unusual in that most Airweights were preceded by their steel counterparts. For the new polymer framed Bodyguard see Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38.

Non-Firing Replicas of the Smith & Wesson Model 36 "Chiefs Special"

Umarex Smith & Wesson Chief's Special

A blank firing only replica of the Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special manufactured by the German Umarex. This gun has a full metal body with plastic grips SW Combat. Five-shot drum is made of a metal alloy. Single and Double Action system. This is a replica gun built from the ground up to fire blanks only and is not considered a live firearm per U.S. Laws.